Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-04-22
NATIONAL G. A. Il.
General Orders in Relation to the Observ
anCe of Memorial Day
The following general orders have lust
been issued by order of Commander-in-
Chief Fairchild.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
MAD son, Wis, April Is. 1887.

Chief Fairchild:
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
MAD son, Wis, April 10, 1887.
General Orders, No. H.
Nineteen years ago the then commandments
chlef OF the Grand Army of the Republic in
general orders. set apart the Both day of Nav
and suggested that it be consecrated to the
memory OF the fallen soldiers of the nation
This being the first Memorial Day occurring
since MS death, the commander in chief asks
mat the eloquent and appropriate words OF
general orders No. II, 1868, uttered by that
IilustrlouS soldier and beloved comrade, John
A. Logan, be again taken as lnspirai ion and
guidance Tor the 3Oth day of May, 1887.
HEADQUARTERS
GRAND ARMY OfTHE X PUBLIC,
WASHINGTON, ID. C.. May s, 1868
General Orders, No. II.
|. The Goth day of May, 1868, is DESIGNATED
tor the purpose of strewing with flowers or
otherwise decorating the graves of comrades
who died in defence of their country dur,nS
IN late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in
yard in the land. In this observance no form
or ceremony IS prescribed. but posts and com
rades Will in their own way arrange such fit
ting services and Testimonials of respect as
CIRCUMSTANCES may permit.
. we are o ganiZcd, comrades as our regula-
tions tel US, for the purpose among other
IN ngs, "ot preserving and strengthening
those kind and fraternal feelings which have
bound together the soldiers sailors and ma
rlnes who united TO suppress the late rebel
nun w udt can ala more TO assure his g.
suit than cherishing tenderly the memory of
our heroic dead, VINO made their breasts bar
ricade between our cOuntry and its foes 2
Their soldier lives were the reyeille of free
dom to race in chains, and their death
the tattoo OF rebellious tyranny in
arms arms N we should guard their graves with
wealth and taste OF the nation can and 10
their adornment and security is but a fitting
tribute TO the memory of her slain defenders
Let no wantOn foot tread rudely on such hal
Ia nat hs n vi IN Z ha
coming and going of revcrent visitors and
iona mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice
or neglect, no ravages OF time testify to The
present or to the coming generations that
we have forgotten as "A people the cost OF u
free and undivided republic.
III othereyes grow dull and other hands
slack, and other hearts cold IN the solemn
trust, ours shall keep II well as long as the
ilght and warmth of life remain to us.
Let us, then, at tue time appointed gather
around their sacred remains and garland the
passionless mounds above them with the
choicest flowers OF springtime; let us raise
above them the dear old flag they saved from
dishonor; let us in this solemn presence re-
new our pledges TO aid and assist those whom
they have left among us sacred charge upon
nation 8 gratitude-the soldiers and sailors
widow and orphan.
H.. 1t is the purpose of the COMMANDMENTS
chlei 10 lnaugurate this observance with the
nope that 1t will be kept up from year 10
year, while a survivor of the war remains to
honor the memory OF his departed comrades.
lie earnestly desires the public press to call
w thio oiutis uuu ltIN lls lTlcuuly
AID in bringing IL to the notice of comrades in
all parts of the country in time for simultane-
Gus compliance Herewith.
Ill. Department commanders will use every
effort 10 make this order effective.
by command OF
JOHN A. LOGAN,
N. +. CHAPMAN, COMMANDMENT Chief.
Adjutant General.
BY command of
LUCIUs FAIRCHILD.
Is. Is GRAY, Commander-in-Ch Chief.
Adjutant General.